What Is A Passenger Car? (With Examples) - Vehicle Freak

• Brian Onyango

Updated on March 29, 2024

You would think that driving a car is as simple as that: just driving a car. However, there are a few names for the types of cars you might drive. However, there exist several types of cars and each has its own purpose.

The most common type of car you would see on the road is a passenger car which is what are going to explain in our blog today. Stay tuned.

A passenger car is defined as a vehicle that carries passengers and their baggage on roads. This can include cars, vans, and trucks. They can be either privately owned or operated by a company. However, it does not include motorcycles, ambulances, or vehicles designed for off-road use.

Examples of passenger vehicles include Ford Crown Victoria and Toyota Camry.

In the United States, passenger cars must have at least four wheels and seat no more than eight people including the driver. If the car is designed to carry more than that, then it is not a passenger car but instead a commercial vehicle. The length of a passenger car is typically between 14-18 feet long.

The weight limit for a passenger car is also important as it needs to be under 3500kg or else it would be classified as a heavy truck.

Types of Passenger Cars

Now that we already know what passenger cars are, let’s look at the types of vehicles in this category. There are several types of passenger cars which include:

Sedan

This is a car with four doors and a fixed roof that is used for carrying passengers. The trunk is usually located at the rear of the car. For example; Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla

Hatchback

A hatchback is a car that has a rear door that opens upwards and the trunk area is located behind the back seats. The Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf are some examples of hatchbacks.

Coupe

This is a car with two doors and a fixed roof. The trunk area is usually located behind the back sears. For Example; Audi A-series, BMW M-series

Convertible

A convertible is a car with a folding or removable roof. The trunk area is usually located behind the back seats. This usually comes on high-level and expensive trims of vehicle models. For instance, Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang offer this as an option to their premium trims the SS and GT respectively.

SUV

An SUV or sport utility vehicle is a car that has a four-wheel drive and is designed for off-road use. SUVs usually have a higher ground clearance and a boxy appearance. For example; Jeep Wrangler, and Ford Explorer.

Difference Between a Passenger Car and a Commercial Vehicle

The main difference between a passenger car and a commercial vehicle is that commercial vehicles can carry more than eight passengers, whereas a passenger car cannot. Here are other differences;

• A commercial vehicle can be either a van or a truck, whereas a passenger car cannot.
• A commercial vehicle must have a payload capacity of more than one tonne (1000 kg), whereas a passenger car does not have to have this.
• A commercial vehicle can be any length, whereas a passenger car has to be between 14-18 feet long.
• A commercial vehicle can be over 3500kg, whereas a passenger car cannot.

What Are the Benefits of Owning a Passenger Car?

There are many benefits of owning a passenger car. Some of these benefits include;

• The ability to transport yourself and your family around without having to rely on public transport or taxis.
• Passenger cars are generally more affordable than other types of vehicles such as SUVs or luxury cars.
• They are easier to park and maneuver than larger vehicles.
• Passenger cars are less likely to cause damage to other vehicles or property in the event of an accident.
• These cars emit fewer greenhouse gases than larger vehicles, making them more environmentally friendly.

What Are the Disadvantages of Owning a Passenger Car?

Since we already know the benefits of passenger cars, there are also some disadvantages of owning a passenger car that you should be aware of. These include;

• Passenger cars can be less comfortable than larger vehicles on long journeys.
• The cars may not be able to tow a caravan or trailer.
• They are more likely to be stolen than larger vehicles.
• Some passenger cars may not have the same level of safety features as larger vehicles, such as airbags and ABS brakes.
• They may not be able to handle off-road driving as well as an SUV or four-wheel drive.

Is an RV Considered a Passenger or Commercial Vehicle?

As we already mentioned that passenger cars include compact cars, vans, and tracks, what about the RVs that can be driven or trailers that can be towed.

The rule on this kind of vehicle varies from one state to another, some states may allow you to register your RV as a passenger car probably for a little additional fee. However, in some states, RVs are only considered commercial vehicles.

The best way to know for sure is to contact your state’s DMV and ask them about the registration process and what is required of you.

What Is Considered a Private Passenger Automobile?

A private passenger automobile is a land motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, with at least four wheels, used for the transportation of people, and not used for the carrying of property or goods.

The term “private passenger automobile” does not include a bus, taxi, or limousine. It also does not include an ambulance, hearse, or another vehicle principally used to transport sick, injured, or dead people.

Are Vans Considered Private Passenger Vehicles?

Yes, vans are considered private passenger vehicles but only if they meet the set regulations we already mentioned. However, some states may have different rules and regulations when it comes to what is considered a passenger car.

The approach is to find out is to contact your state’s DMV and inquire about the registration procedure as well as what is necessary for you.

Is an SUV a Passenger Car?

SUVs do not have a specific classification, but they are generally considered to be light trucks. In some states, SUVs may be registered as passenger cars if they meet the required criteria. However, in other states, SUVs may only be registered as commercial vehicles.

SUVs can be used as either off-road vehicles or passenger cars, depending on their design. Some SUVs have four-wheel drive and can be used to tow trailers, while other SUVs are designed for on-road use only.

For instance, the Ford Escape is an example of an SUV that can be classified as both a passenger car and an off-road vehicle.

Is a Pickup Truck a Passenger or Commercial Vehicle?

The answer to this question depends on the state you live in and how you use your pickup truck. In some states, pickup trucks can be registered as passenger cars if they are used for personal transportation.

However, in other states, pickup trucks may only be registered as commercial vehicles if they are used for business purposes.

Moreover, in some states such as New York pick-up trucks that weigh above 6000 pounds are classified as commercial vehicles regardless of how you use them.

To avoid any penalties, it’s advisable that you check with your state’s DMV to find out the rules and regulations regarding the registration of pickup trucks.

What Does Private Passenger Policy Mean?

A private passenger policy is an insurance policy that provides coverage for vehicles used to transport people. This type of policy can provide coverage for both personal and commercial use of a vehicle.

Private passenger policies typically provide coverage for liability, collision, and comprehensive damage, as well as medical expenses. Some policies may also provide uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.

When shopping for a private passenger policy, it’s important to compare different plans and choose the one that best meets your needs. You should also consider the type of vehicle you’ll be insured, as this can impact your premiums.

Conclusion

A passenger car is generally, a land motor vehicle with at least four wheels that are used for transporting people and not property or goods. Vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks can also be classified as passenger cars in some states if they meet certain criteria.

It’s important to check with your state’s DMV to find out the specific rules and regulations regarding the registration of passenger cars to avoid fines that may result from the offense.

Here are some other related topics for you to check out:

How Long Is a Car? (Average Car Lengths By Type)

How Wide Is the Average Car? (20+ Examples Included)

26 Different Types of Car Body Styles (With Pictures!)